Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) announced that pediatric oncologist A. Thomas Look, MD, of the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Center has been named the 2021 recipient of The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Prize. The award was presented to Dr. Look at the Gerstner Sloan Kettering (GSK) virtual Convocation on May 19, 2021.
The Society Prize is a global prize that is awarded annually to a researcher, physician, or team leader who has made a positive and lasting impact in the fight against pediatric cancer. Founded in 1946, The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering is a volunteer-led organization within MSK dedicated to promoting the well-being of patients, supporting cancer research, and providing education on the early prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer.
“The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Prize recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to improving the understanding, diagnosis, and/or treatment of childhood cancer,” said Dr. Andrew Kung, MD, PhD, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at MSK Kids. “Dr. Look has made significant advances over the years that have improved the way we treat children with leukemia and neuroblastoma. He is a giant in the field of pediatric oncology, and it is my distinct honor to announce that he is the recipient of this important prize.”
Previous honorees of The Society Prize include Richard J. O’Reilly (MSK), James Downing (St. Jude), Melvyn Greaves (Institute for Cancer Research, UK), Kevin Shannon (UCSF), Michel Sadelain (MSK), and Carl June (UPENN).
About the Recipient
A. Thomas Look, MD
Dr. Look received his medical degree in 1975 and did his residency training in pediatrics at the University of Michigan. He completed a fellowship in pediatric oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where he trained in the molecular biology of cancer and eventually became chair of the Experimental Oncology Department. In 1999, he joined DFCI as Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatric Oncology.
“I am very honored to be recognized as the recipient of The Society Prize,” said Dr. Look. “Some of the best satisfaction in the world is knowing that your work has contributed to helping others. My hope is that we can continue to find ways to control and cure childhood cancers.”
A History of Making a Difference for the Littlest Patients
MSK Kids, the pediatric oncology program at MSK, is a center of excellence for the comprehensive treatment of children, teenagers, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. Comprising leading experts in pediatric malignancies, immune deficiencies, and stem cell transplantation biology, the MSK Kids staff is dedicated to seeking novel approaches to achieving more effective outcomes while reducing or minimizing the short- and long-term effects of treatment. MSK Kids has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report for the past 12 years as one of the top pediatric cancer programs in the country.